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Eshor Demands Justice as Police Probe Death of Delta Deputy Director

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Eshor Demands Justice as Police Probe Death of Delta Deputy Director

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Delta State, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education.

Eshor, in a statement made available to journalists, described Adeda’s death as tragic and urged relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.

The AAC candidate’s call comes amid an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.

According to the Delta State Police Command, a complaint was received alleging that Adeda was physically assaulted during an incident at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, in Asaba. The police said three aides to the commissioner — Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine and Lucky Adoh — were named in the complaint. Lucky Adoh has been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other two.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, has directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the matter. Police said investigators would examine available evidence, including video recordings, eyewitness accounts and medical records, before determining whether anyone is culpable.

Eshor urged the authorities to allow investigators to work without interference, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the death should be established through due process.

He also expressed concern over what he described as allegations of intimidation and abuse of authority in some government offices, calling for accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of civil servants.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Adeda’s death has triggered industrial action in the state. Workers under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) shut the Prof. Chike Odozien Secretariat in Asaba on September 25, demanding answers and assurances concerning the safety of civil servants.

The Delta State Government has also constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death. The panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Charity Ehimen, includes representatives of the state government and organised labour. It has been given two weeks to submit its report.

The state government has said the police investigation will proceed alongside the administrative inquiry and has assured civil servants of the safety of their work environment.

Eshor further called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation and prosecute any person found to have violated the law, irrespective of status or political affiliation.

He maintained that the death of a public servant in circumstances connected to an incident at a government workplace should receive serious official attention, urging authorities to ensure that the outcome of the investigations is made known to the public.

The AAC candidate also appealed for calm while investigations continue, saying that establishing the facts through credible and transparent processes would help protect public confidence in the state’s institutions.

As of the time of filing this report, no investigation had publicly established that any particular individual was responsible for Adeda’s death. The allegations remain subject to ongoing police and administrative investigations.

Media, Influencers Urged to Promote Responsible Leadership and Peace

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Media, Influencers Urged to Promote Responsible Leadership and Peace

SOKOTO — Media practitioners and social media influencers have been urged to use their platforms responsibly to promote peace, social cohesion and responsible leadership, particularly when reporting sensitive issues capable of heightening tensions.

The call was made during a two-day Conflict Sensitivity Training for Media Practitioners and Influencers held in Sokoto State in August 2026.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, stressed the importance of peace to development, security and peaceful coexistence.

He urged journalists and other influential voices to avoid narratives capable of deepening religious, ethnic, political and communal divisions.

The Sultan noted that the media has significant power to shape public opinion and influence human behaviour, making responsible and conflict-sensitive reporting important in efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace.

The training was organised under the Resilience, Engagement, and Conflict-Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection (RECAP) Project, involving organisations including International Alert, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children Initiative and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), with European Union support.

Participants were trained on conflict-sensitive journalism, verification and rumour management, narrative framing, disinformation, digital verification and the responsible use of media during sensitive situations.

Organisers said the objective was not to prevent journalists from reporting conflict, but to encourage accurate reporting that provides context and avoids unnecessarily escalating tensions.

The programme also provided for the establishment of a Community of Practice to enable participating journalists, influencers and other stakeholders to continue sharing knowledge and strengthening conflict-sensitive reporting practices after the training.

The development comes as public discourse around governance, security and the 2027 general elections continues to intensify, placing greater importance on accurate, balanced and responsible information across traditional and digital media platforms.

Good Hygiene: Simple Habits That Protect Your Health and Confidence

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Good Hygiene: Simple Habits That Protect Your Health and Confidence

Good hygiene is more than simply looking neat. It is the practice of keeping the body, surroundings, food and water clean to reduce the risk of diseases and promote a healthier life.

From childhood to adulthood, maintaining proper hygiene should remain a daily responsibility. Simple habits such as bathing regularly, brushing the teeth twice a day, washing hands before eating and after using the toilet, keeping clothes clean and maintaining a clean home can make a significant difference.

Why Good Hygiene Matters

Good hygiene can help reduce the spread of germs and lower the risk of illnesses such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and some skin infections. It also contributes to fresh breath, clean skin and a neat appearance.

Personal hygiene can also affect how people interact with us. When a person maintains good hygiene, they are more likely to feel comfortable and confident around others.

Body Odour: An Often-Ignored Hygiene Issue

Body odour is another issue that deserves attention. Many adults experience noticeable body odour due to inadequate or inconsistent personal hygiene, particularly when sweat, bacteria and unwashed clothing are allowed to accumulate.

Sweating itself is normal, but poor hygiene can contribute to unpleasant odours. Regular bathing, properly washing areas where sweat accumulates, wearing clean clothes and maintaining clean undergarments can help.

Persistent or unusual body odour, despite good hygiene, can sometimes have other causes, so it should not automatically be assumed to be a sign of poor cleanliness.

Signs of Poor Hygiene

Poor hygiene may include:

– Not bathing regularly or brushing the teeth

– Failing to wash hands after using the toilet

– Wearing dirty clothes repeatedly

– Leaving the home, toilet or kitchen dirty

– Eating with unwashed hands

– Leaving food uncovered

– Failing to keep fingernails clean

– Allowing rubbish and stagnant water to accumulate around the home

These habits can encourage the spread of germs and attract flies, cockroaches and rodents.

Make Hygiene a Daily Habit

Good hygiene does not require expensive products. It starts with simple, consistent habits: keep your body clean, wash your hands properly, brush your teeth, wear clean clothes, keep your surroundings tidy, and ensure that food and drinking water are handled safely.

Good hygiene = Better health + Confidence + A cleaner environment.

Taking care of personal hygiene is not only about appearance—it is also about protecting yourself and the people around you.

Lucky Abuah Urges Delta Youths to Reject Cultism, Crime and Shortcuts to Success

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Lucky Abuah Urges Delta Youths to Reject Cultism, Crime and Shortcuts to Success

ASABA, DELTA STATE — The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Mobilization, Chief Lucky Abuah, has urged young people across Delta State to reject cultism, criminality and other illegal activities, stressing the importance of patience, legitimate hustle and responsible choices in building a sustainable future.

Abuah gave the advice while speaking during an interview, where he reflected on his personal journey, youth development and his plans to continue supporting young people.

The SSA, who described himself as someone who understands the challenges faced by young people from less privileged backgrounds, said his personal experience has strengthened his determination to encourage youths to pursue legitimate means of achieving their goals.

According to him, young people should not allow difficult circumstances to push them into criminal activities or cult groups.

“I came from a poor background and I understand what it means to be a poor person,” Abuah said, explaining that his experience has made him conscious of the challenges facing people who are struggling to make ends meet.

He said his emergence from a difficult background should serve as encouragement to young people who are currently struggling, rather than a reason for them to resort to crime.

Abuah advised youths to focus on what they can legitimately do, obey the law and remain committed to their goals.

His words of advice were direct: “Stay away from crime and cultism.”

He also warned that involvement in criminal activities can delay a young person’s progress and create long-term consequences that may be difficult to reverse.

“Putting your hands in criminality, cultism is only slowing down your future. It’s only distracting you from where you are supposed to be,” he said.

The youth mobiliser encouraged young people to develop patience and work steadily toward their aspirations instead of searching for shortcuts to success.

He stressed that legitimate work, entrepreneurship and personal development can provide sustainable opportunities, even when the journey is difficult.

Abuah also urged young people not to become passive when confronted with injustice or challenges, encouraging them to stand for truth and lawful rights.

“Fight for the truth. Fight for justice. Fight for what is yours and stay away from crime and cultism,” he said.

He linked the message to his own approach to youth engagement, saying he has continued to interact directly with young people through grassroots visits and personal engagement.

“I walk, ward to ward, home to home, visit the youths, talk to them, advise them,” he said.

According to him, youth mobilisation should go beyond political activities and include meaningful conversations about life, responsibility, opportunities and the consequences of personal choices.

Abuah further disclosed that he intends to continue supporting young people through empowerment and philanthropic initiatives, noting that assistance to vulnerable people remains an area he is passionate about.

He said planned initiatives would include support involving food items, palliatives and other forms of assistance.

The SSA encouraged Delta youths to remain focused, acquire useful skills, pursue legitimate businesses and make decisions that protect their future.

He maintained that difficult circumstances should not determine the direction of a young person’s life, urging youths to believe that progress can be achieved through lawful and persistent effort.

For many young people facing economic pressure and uncertainty, Abuah’s message centres on a simple principle: success should be pursued through legitimate opportunities, discipline and perseverance rather than crime, cultism or shortcuts.

Obi Pledges Healthcare Reform, Transparency, Greater Development for Niger Delta

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Obi Pledges Healthcare Reform, Transparency, Greater Development for Niger Delta

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare system, strengthen transparency in the management of public resources and ensure greater development reaches the Niger Delta if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the pledges on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Asaba, Delta State, during the inauguration of the NDC secretariat in the state.

On healthcare, the former Anambra State governor said his administration would work to make hospitals across Nigeria functional and capable of providing quality medical services.

He also said political office holders should seek medical treatment within Nigeria, except where overseas treatment is required through referral.

“We will ensure that those of them who are in power must seek medical care here. Anybody that will go abroad will be for referral,” Obi said.

He further promised that his administration would promote greater transparency in the management of public funds, assuring Nigerians that they would be able to know how government resources are being spent.

“We will tell you where every penny is going to,” he said.

Obi also placed the Niger Delta at the centre of his message, arguing that the region has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s wealth through its natural resources but has not received a corresponding level of development.

He particularly referenced the condition of roads in the region, including the East-West Road, while promising a different approach to the management and distribution of resources if elected.

“One thing that I can assure the Niger Delta is that the days you don’t see the impact of your wealth is gone. Niger Delta must see the impact of the wealth it is creating for the nation,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate’s remarks came as political parties and candidates intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His proposals therefore remain campaign pledges and would depend on the policies, legislation, funding and implementation decisions of any future administration.

The Asaba event also featured the formal opening of the NDC’s Delta State campaign secretariat and addresses by other party leaders and candidates.

Igbuzo Rugby Star Chukwuyem Henry-Ajudua Named in Nigeria Stallions Squad for SVNS 3 Qualifiers

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Igbuzo Rugby Star Chukwuyem Henry-Ajudua Named in Nigeria Stallions Squad for SVNS 3 Qualifiers

IGBUZO, DELTA STATE — Igbuzo-born international rugby player, Dr. Freddie Chukwuyem Henry-Ajudua, has been named in Nigeria’s 12-man Stallions squad for the 2026 World Rugby SVNS 3 Qualifiers scheduled to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from September 26 to 27, 2026.

His inclusion in the national squad represents another significant moment in his rugby career and has generated excitement among supporters in Igbuzo and beyond.

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) confirmed that the Stallions are among eight African nations competing in the Kampala tournament, which serves as the African qualification pathway for the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3 competition.

Nigeria has been drawn in Pool A alongside Zimbabwe, Ghana and Morocco, while Pool B comprises hosts Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia and Senegal.

Dr. Freddie Henry-Ajudua is listed among the experienced players selected for the Nigerian side, alongside Gabriel Etim, John-Oluwatobiloba Anthony, Oghenesuvwe Obano, Matthew Ilube, Daniel Christopher, Joshua Addams and Pierre Goualin.

The Kampala tournament carries significant importance for the participating teams, with the eventual winner securing Africa’s qualification place for the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3 circuit.

Nigeria is scheduled to begin its campaign against Ghana on September 26, before facing Morocco later that day and Zimbabwe on September 27.

Henry-Ajudua’s latest national selection has also drawn attention in Igbuzo, where his sporting career continues to be followed with interest.

His selection is expected to bring further recognition to Igbuzo and the Ajudua family as he joins other Nigerian athletes representing the country on the international stage.

With the Stallions set for their Kampala assignment, attention now turns to the team’s performance in the two-day competition and Nigeria’s bid to secure a place in the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3 competition.

From Igbuzo to the international stage, Henry-Ajudua continues to feature among Nigeria’s rugby representatives.

EMC TV Lights Up Edo In Eko 3.0 Red Carpet as Ajebo, Acapella, MC DaSaint, Mr Paul Grace Lagos Showcase

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EMC TV Lights Up Edo In Eko 3.0 Red Carpet as Ajebo, Acapella, MC DaSaint, Mr Paul Grace Lagos Showcase

LAGOS, Nigeria — September 20, 2026 — Comedy, culture and entertainment took centre stage in Lagos as Nigerian comedian MC Edo Pikin hosted the third edition of his flagship entertainment event, Edo In Eko 3.0, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island.

The event, which brought together comedians, entertainers and lovers of Nigerian culture, continued the annual Edo In Eko platform, which blends Edo heritage with comedy, music and Lagos entertainment.

Activities for the 2026 edition commenced from 6 p.m., with entertainers and guests arriving at the venue for the much-anticipated showcase.

EMC TV Covers Edo In Eko 3.0 Red Carpet

EMC TV, the broadcast and entertainment platform of Ezisi Media Consult, was on the red carpet to capture the arrivals and speak with some of the notable personalities attending the event.

EMC TV host Abisola Deborah interviewed several entertainers, including Ajebo the Comedian, MC DaSaint, Mr Paul and Acapella, as they made their way into the event.

Ajebo Joins Red-Carpet Conversations

Popular comedian and storyteller Ajebo, whose real name is Emeka Erem, was among the entertainers captured by EMC TV during the red-carpet activities.

Ajebo is the creative force behind House of Ajebo, known for its animated comedy content. Earlier in 2026, he hosted the 13th edition of Ajebo Unleashed at Eko Hotel & Suites.

His appearance at Edo In Eko 3.0 added another prominent name from Nigeria’s comedy scene to the evening’s line-up of entertainers.

Acapella, MC DaSaint Maintain Edo In Eko Connection

Comedians Acapella and MC DaSaint also stopped by the EMC TV red carpet for conversations with Abisola Deborah.

The two entertainers have been associated with the Edo In Eko platform since its early editions. They were among the comedy acts announced for the inaugural edition in 2024, while MC DaSaint was also reported among the performers at the 2025 edition.

Their return in 2026 highlighted the continuity of entertainers who have featured in the event over the years.

Mr Paul Shares Moments With EMC TV

Veteran comedian Mr Paul, whose real name is Paul Olope, was another notable personality interviewed by EMC TV.

Mr Paul has built a long-standing career in Nigerian comedy and is associated with the Mr Paul On The Mic comedy platform, which has also been used to showcase emerging comedy talents.

His conversation with Abisola Deborah formed part of EMC TV’s special red-carpet coverage of Edo In Eko 3.0.

Edo Culture Meets Lagos Entertainment

Edo In Eko was conceived as more than a conventional comedy show. The platform was designed to promote cultural integration between Edo and Lagos talents while creating opportunities for entertainers and showcasing Edo culture.

The first edition was held in 2024, followed by a second edition in 2025. Both editions combined comedy, music and cultural entertainment at Eko Hotel & Suites.

The September 20, 2026 event marked the third consecutive edition of Edo In Eko, further establishing the event as a recurring entertainment platform in Lagos.

For EMC TV, the red carpet provided an opportunity to take viewers beyond the stage and into conversations with some of the entertainers and personalities who made the evening memorable.

Interviews with Ajebo, MC DaSaint, Mr Paul and Acapella are expected to give audiences a closer look at the entertainers and their experiences at Edo In Eko 3.0.

For interviews, event highlights and more entertainment coverage, follow @ezisimediactv across social media platforms.

Lucky Abuah: Tinubu, Oborevwori, Esewezie Have Delivered Evidence of Development — SSA

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Lucky Abuah: Tinubu, Oborevwori, Esewezie Have Delivered Evidence of Development — SSA

The Senior Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Chief Lucky Abuah, has commended the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, citing what he described as visible evidence of development and grassroots interventions.

Abuah made the remarks during an interview with Guide Express, where he spoke on the Tinubu administration, Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, developments in Oshimili North, the 2027 political season and his personal commitment to youth empowerment and philanthropy.

Speaking on President Tinubu’s administration, Abuah urged Nigerian youths to exercise patience and pay attention to the policies and developments of the Federal Government.

According to him, the country is currently undergoing difficult economic conditions, but he argued that such challenges should be considered within the broader process of implementing reforms.

“Politics is not banking job. Politics is not oil company. Politics is not real estate company. Politics is politics. It’s a game,” Abuah said.

He described President Tinubu as an experienced politician and expressed his personal belief that the administration is taking Nigeria towards greater development.

Abuah also expressed confidence in Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying, “This 2027 election has been won.”

He further argued that Nigerians should assess the administration based on its performance over time rather than expecting immediate results.

On local government administration, Abuah cited the issue of local government financial autonomy as one of the developments he believes has created greater room for councils to execute projects.

His comments come against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about local government finances and development across Nigeria.

Turning to Oshimili North, Abuah praised the council chairman, Olorogun Hon. Innocent Esewezie, for what he described as notable interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, markets and other areas.

He specifically referenced the Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital in Okpanam, which was commissioned in August 2026. The Delta State Government reported that the facility was commissioned by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, alongside a six-day free medical programme initiated by the Oshimili North council.

Abuah also praised Esewezie for road construction and other projects across the local government, describing the chairman as a leader who, in his view, has demonstrated capacity for higher political responsibilities.

“He deserves to go for House of Assembly, be our representative, and make sure that whatsoever our local constituency needs he will bring it for us,” Abuah said.

He equally mentioned former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and former House of Representatives member Ndudi Elumelu while discussing politicians whom he said had made significant contributions to political organisation and grassroots development in Anioma.

Abuah said political leaders should be judged by tangible records of service and urged youths to examine the contributions of political actors before making decisions about the future.

Abuah speaks on grassroots mobilisation

Speaking about his responsibilities as Senior Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, Abuah said he has been engaging youths at the grassroots through ward-to-ward and home-to-home visits.

He said his mobilisation strategy involves meeting young people, discussing their concerns and encouraging them to participate constructively in society.

His comments come as Governor Oborevwori’s administration has recently directed political appointees and supporters to take the achievements of the MORE Agenda to wards and communities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abuah said he believes political mobilisation should be backed by demonstrable projects and programmes rather than merely by political rhetoric.

“We have been walking, ward to ward, home to home, visits the youths, talk to them, advise them,” he said.

‘I know what it means to come from a poor background’

On his philanthropic activities, Abuah said his interest in supporting vulnerable people was influenced by his personal experience of growing up from a poor background.

According to him, his philanthropic activities are not solely connected to politics, adding that he intends to continue supporting young people and families through empowerment initiatives.

He disclosed plans for giveaways, food items and other forms of assistance through his business, Hennric Empire Garden, particularly during the December period.

Abuah also used the opportunity to advise young people to avoid criminality and cultism, urging them to pursue legitimate means of livelihood.

“If people like us can rise from nothing legally, legally you can do it,” he said.

He encouraged youths to respect the law, work hard, stand up for their rights and pursue their ambitions without engaging in crime.

“Stay away from crime and cultism,” he added.

Abuah maintained that youth development requires both government intervention and personal responsibility, urging young Nigerians to take advantage of legitimate opportunities available to them.

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2027: Eshor Deepens Stakeholder Outreach, Visits Estu Nupe for Counsel Ahead of Delta Governorship Race

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2027: Eshor Deepens Stakeholder Outreach, Visits Estu Nupe for Counsel Ahead of Delta Governorship Race

The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Delta State election, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has intensified his stakeholder engagements ahead of the governorship contest, with a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, the Estu Nupe.

Eshor described the traditional ruler as a father figure and long-time mentor, saying the visit formed part of his ongoing consultations with traditional institutions and opinion leaders as he prepares for the 2027 election.

Speaking after the meeting, the AAC candidate stressed the importance of traditional rulers in promoting peace, unity, cultural values and community development.

He said traditional institutions occupy a strategic position in society because of their influence in fostering dialogue, stability and cooperation among communities.

“I paid a consultation visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, the Estu Nupe, as part of my ongoing stakeholder engagements across the nation. I deeply value the wisdom, counsel, and leadership of our traditional rulers, whose contributions to peace and development remain invaluable,” Eshor stated.

The visit comes shortly after the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) endorsed Eshor’s governorship aspiration during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja. The council cited his professional background, business experience and youth-development initiatives in announcing its support.

Eshor has also continued consultations with traditional rulers and other stakeholders within Delta State, with discussions focusing on peace, unity, development and the future of the state.

According to him, the engagements are intended to provide an opportunity to listen to stakeholders, receive counsel and build broader dialogue around the development of Delta State.

“Our discussions focused on the continued peace, unity, and development of our people, as well as the collective responsibility we share in advancing the interests and wellbeing of our communities,” he said.

Eshor further expressed appreciation to traditional rulers for their reception and counsel, saying their advice would remain valuable as he pursues his political ambition.

The AAC candidate has in recent months placed considerable emphasis on youth empowerment, maritime development, employment creation and economic diversification as key themes of his proposed agenda for Delta State. His campaign has also featured engagements with youth groups and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election.

The latest consultation with the Estu Nupe adds to Eshor’s ongoing stakeholder outreach as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 Delta State governorship election.

NSCDC Busts Alleged Illegal Juice Factory in Badagry, Arrests Two Women

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NSCDC Busts Alleged Illegal Juice Factory in Badagry, Arrests Two Women

LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, have uncovered an alleged illegal juice production facility in Aradagun, Badagry, and arrested two women in connection with the operation.

The facility, located on Talabi Onilegbale Street in Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, was reportedly uncovered after about five days of surveillance following intelligence received by the Corps.

According to the NSCDC, the operation took place between Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The two suspects, aged 48 and 50, were reportedly arrested at the premises, where officers allegedly found cartons of a fruit drink branded Barkas Juice, production equipment, chemicals, drums, a gas cylinder and other materials.

The Corps alleged that the facility was not registered and that the product carried a purportedly fraudulent National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, 01-2166L.

NSCDC spokesman in Lagos, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the Corps contacted NAFDAC to verify the registration details and was informed that the product was not registered.

The NSCDC further alleged that the juice was produced using water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, colourants, dyes and other additives instead of real fruit. The Corps described the alleged production conditions as a public health concern.

A truck reportedly loaded with the products was also found at the premises, while cartons of the drink and rolls of product labels were seen inside the building. The NSCDC said the products were allegedly being distributed to markets in Lagos, Edo State and other parts of the country.

The operation reportedly encountered resistance from some youths in the area, prompting security personnel to strengthen their operation with assistance from the Nigerian Army.

However, one of the arrested women, identified by The Guardian as Morenikeji Alawiye, gave a different account. She reportedly said the business was established by her grandmother and had operated for nearly two decades. She also claimed that efforts were underway to regularise the business with NAFDAC before her arrest.

The NSCDC said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects are expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law. The Corps also said it would work with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies on the matter.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution and verify the registration status of packaged food and drinks before purchasing them.

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